Diet Coke Plus: Not So "Plussed"

Coca-Cola has received a warning letter from the FDA informing the company that its beverage, Diet Coke Plus, does not meet FDA criteria to warrant the designation of “plus,” and is thus in violation of section 403(r)(1)(A) of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

The term “plus,” as well as the information on the label, which reads “Diet Coke with Vitamins and Minerals,” indicates to consumers that the beverage is fortified with vitamins and minerals. The FDA requires that foods labeled “plus” must have “at least 10% more nutrients than comparable products.” The agency stated that, in accordance with federal regulations, it is inappropriate for Coca-Cola “to fortify snack foods such as carbonated beverages.” Furthermore, the Diet Coke Plus label does not contain information regarding the beverage’s nutritional content that is required of a product that uses the term “plus” on its label.

Coca-Cola maintains that the Diet Coke Plus label complies with FDA requirements, and will formally respond to the FDA’s letter in early January. It is unclear whether Coca-Cola will ultimately be required to remove Diet Coke Plus from commercial distribution, change the label, or follow any other particular course of action.